9:07 AM,
Oct. 13, 2012

An artist's rendition shows the arched roof that will cover the stage at the Cascades Park amphitheater.

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A year ago, the amphitheater at under-construction Cascades Park was a modest concept. It was envisioned as a small band shell fronting a grassy hillside. A plain, uncovered stage for ad hoc choir and youth performances. A place to hold occasional speeches.

Then last fall, Tallahassee officials visited the St. Augustine Amphitheater. They toured a $9 million outdoor facility opened in 2007 that seats 4,000 people and has drawn appearances by the Beach Boys, Ringo Starr, Toby Keith, Tony Bennett and former President Bill Clinton. They saw a facility that hosts high-school graduations, ...